Hokkaido Shrine, commonly known as Hokkaido Jingu, was built in 1869, and is a small yet popular shrine among the locals of the city of Sapporo. The shrine can be found in the vibrant maruyama park, which provides one of the best cherry blossom viewing areas in Sapporo.

As such, many locals will tend to visit the shrine during ‘Hanami’ or ‘flower viewing festival’. Additionally, the shrine is most full of life during the Japanese New Year where people visit the shrine for the first time in the new year and pray for good luck for the upcoming year.

Inside Hokkaido Shrine, there are 4 gods (known as Kami) enshrined here, so it’s quite a spiritual place for locals. The shrine deities are Okunitama, Okuninushi, Sukunahhikona, and the late Emperor Meiji.

Originally, the three kami were enshrined in Tokyo in 1869, but was moved to Sapporo in 1870, where the shrine moved around a few times before eventually finding its way to its present location in Maruyama Park. In 1964, the soul of Emperor Meiji was also enshrined here, bringing the total deities found here up to four. 

Nearby, you can also find the Sapporo City Zoo, and Maruyama Park, which offer excellent and relaxing experiences to spend on those beautiful days outdoors.